Sulfate Suspension Research Articles

Microvascular studies in non-specific inflammatory bowel disease.

The microvasculature was investigated in the normal bowel and in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Tissue samples from postoperative colectomy specimens in which the microvasculature had been perfused with barium sulphate suspension were examined. Microradiography was used to study intramural vascular pattern which was abnormal in both disease states. A recently described radiograph fluorescence system was used to estimate barium concentration and hence microvascular volume in tissue samples. Highly significant negative correlations were demonstrated between barium concentration and age in normal bowel (n = 44; r = -0.669; p less than 0.001) and in segmental Crohn's disease (n = 11; r = -0.698; p = 0.017). Barium concentration was significantly reduced (p less than 0.05) in segmental Crohn's disease (n = 11) but remained normal in diffuse Crohn's disease of the colon (n = 6) and ulcerative colitis (n = 7). It is postulated that ischaemia may be a factor in the pathogenesis of segmental Crohn's disease in older patients.

The use of low osmolality water soluble (LOWS) contrast media in the pediatric gastro-intestinal tract. A report of 115 examinations.

There are dangers in the use of either barium sulphate suspensions or the conventional hypertonic water soluble contrast media in the gastrointestinal tract of "at risk" babies and children. These dangers can be avoided by the use of low osmolality water soluble (LOWS) contrast media. This paper reports the satisfactory use of three such contrast media, ioxaglate (Hexabrix), iohexol (Omnipaque) and iopamidol (Niopam) in 115 examinations of the gastrointestinal tracts of 89 babies and children. Morbidity from the inhalation or extravasation of contrast medium was negligible. It is proposed that LOWS contrast media should be used more widely in the gastro-intestinal investigation of all "at risk" babies and children.

A Radiographic Study of the Gastrointestinal-Tract of Potorous-Tridactylus, With a Suggestion as to the Role of the Foregut and Hindgut in Potoroine Marsupials

The gastric distribution of barium sulphate and its subsequent intestinal passage were examined by radiography in Potorous tridactylus. Barium sulphate administered in association with solid food passed to the sacciform forestomach from the tubiform forestomach. However, ingested barium sulphate suspension mainly entered the hindstomach via the gastric sulcus. Barium sulphate which entered the sacciform forestomach remained for no more than 1 h before passing to the hindstomach via the tubiform forestomach. The passage of contrast medium through the intestine was followed in adults administered barium sulphate suspension only. Contrast medium which entered the hindstomach was not detectable there after 10 min. Barium sulphate first arrived at the caecum and proximal colon after 20 min, and by 45 min the majority had reached these organs. It persisted in the caecum and proximal colon for several hours, during which there was some movement into the descending colon and rectum. These results lead towards a new interpretation of the role of the potoroine foregut and hindgut.

Radiography of the equine stomach

To obtain radiographic information concerning the equine stomach, a gastrographic contrast examination is required. This study describes this procedure in detail. A powerful radiographic unit, the tubehead linked to an image intensifier and suspended by an electromechanical overhead gantry system, is required. To obtain accurately positioned radiographs during the fluoroscopic examination, a cassette holder with a stationary grid is mounted at the entrance window of the image intensifier. The examination is performed in the unsedated standing horse after 24 hours of starvation, using a combination of survey radiography and fluoroscopic viewing after the inflation of air, followed by the administration of barium sulphate suspension by stomach tube. The gastrographic contrast examination is performed in three experimental animals and 23 abnormal horses. Pneumogastrophy appeared to be valuable to diagnose gastric tumors, to differentiate between gastric tumors and other masses in the cranial abdomen, and to visualize gastric parasites, even in large horses. The use of barium sulphate suspension does not result in an adequate double contrast of the stomach, but it may aid to diagnose esophagogastric or pyloric stenosis and gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Dislodgement of impacted oesophageal foreign bodies with carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages release sufficient carbon dioxide when ingested, to distend the oesophagus, relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and to force the passage of impacted meat and other foreign bodies into the stomach. Of 28 patients with foreign bodies in the oesophagus, eight had them dislodged after ingestion of barium sulphate suspension, whereas carbonated soda water was used successfully in 16 out of 20 patients with a normal oesophagus or with oesophageal motility disorders and organic strictures. Carbonated beverages may be used as the first-line treatment of acute episodes of oesophageal obstruction due to foreign bodies and could also be integrated into the long-term management of oesophageal disease.

Pilot-plant production of ammonium polyphosphate sulfate suspension fertilizers

TVA is developing a process for production of ammonium polyphosphate sulfate (APPS) suspension fertilizer from merchant-grade wet-process phosphoric acid, 93% sulfuric acid, and anhydrous ammonia. The two acids are simultaneously ammoniated in an ''enlarged'' pipecross reactor; the molten APPS is dissolved in water; and the fluid then is cooled to room temperature in an evaporative cooler. Attapulgite clay is mixed into the APPS fluid to prevent solids from settling during shipment, storage, and use. The process is energy efficient in that the hot APPS fluid provides all the heat required to preheat the phosphoric acid and vaporize the ammonia. Satisfactory suspension grades up to 11-30-0-3S can be made with 50% of the P/sub 2/O/sub 5/ present as polyphosphate. The sulfur present in the product should be useful either to reduce sulfur deficiencies in the soil or to provide maintenance dosages of sulfur. The APPS fluid fertilizer can be either applied directly to the soil or used in preparation of mixed suspension products of various ratios. 9 figs., 1 tab.

Abomasal size and emptying time in healthy lambs and in lambs affected by watery mouth.

Contrast radiography (barium sulphate suspension fed by stomach tube) was used to assess abomasal profile area (a reflection of tone in the abomasal wall) and the rate of abomasal emptying in healthy lambs aged four to 144 hours and in lambs affected by watery mouth. In healthy lambs abomasal profile area increased from 15.1 +/- 0.56 cm2/kg at four hours of age to 23.1 +/- 1.07 cm2/kg at 24 to 48 hours (P less than 0.001). There was no change up to 48 to 72 hours but after this age there was a substantial decrease to 12.8 +/- 0.76 cm2/kg at 120 to 144 hours (P less than 0.001). The rate of abomasal emptying decreased as abomasal profile area increased. Complete emptying of the abomasum was observed within three hours of feeding in the majority of lambs aged four hours (seven out of eight) and 120 to 144 hours (13 out of 16) but only in a minority of lambs aged 24 to 48 hours (one out of 11). In lambs affected by watery mouth (mean age [+/- se] 33 +/- 2.8 hours, n = 34) abomasal profile area was greater and the rate of abomasal emptying was slower than in healthy lambs aged 24 to 48 hours. These findings confirm the previous suspicion that watery mouth is associated with an impairment of gut motility. Abomasal emptying time was prolonged in lambs aged four hours when either ewe or cow colostrum was included with the contrast medium. A similar effect was observed in lambs aged 24 to 48 hours when cow colostrum was included. The castration of lambs aged four hours with rubber rings immediately before the administration of contrast medium had no effect on the rate of abomasal emptying.

Polarographic determination of merthiolate in barium sulfate suspensions for X-ray studies

trum of CP was the ion of m/z 211 formed as a result of elimination of a CHIC1 fragment from M +. The formation of ions (M-C1) + with m/z 225 and 223 is a less probable process (5% of maximum). The ion peak of m/z 120 was assigned to another fragment formed as a result of simple bond fission. Its intensity was 52% maximum and it was formed on removal of a substltuent C~H,Cla from M +. The fragment ion with m/z 92 was formed at deeper stages of breakdown of CP. The ion with m/z 56 was a stable fragment of CP.

RADIOGRAPHY OF THE EQUINE STOMACH

To obtain radiographic information concerning the equine stomach, a gastrographic contrast examination is required. This study describes this procedure in detail. A powerful radiographic unit, the tubehead linked to an image intensifier and suspended by an electromechanical overhead gantry system, is required. To obtain accurately positioned radiographs during the fluoroscopic examination, a cassette holder with a stationary grid is mounted at the entrance window of the image intensifier. The examination is performed in the unsedated standing horse after 24 hours of starvation, using a combination of survey radiography and fluoroscopic viewing after the inflation of air, followed by the administration of barium sulphate suspension by stomach tube. The gastrographic contrast examination is performed in three experimental animals and 23 abnormal horses. Pneumogastrophy appeared to be valuable to diagnose gastric tumors, to differentiate between gastric tumors and other masses in the cranial abdomen, and to visualize gastric parasites, even in large horses. The use of barium sulphate suspension does not result in an adequate double contrast of the stomach, but it may aid to diagnose esophagogastric or pyloric stenosis and gastric or duodenal ulcers.

GASTRIC EMPTYING IN THE NORMAL DOG A Contrast Radiographic Technique

A total of 22 radiographic studies was made to determine comparative gastric emptying times of two different solid test meals (intact kibble food and ground kibble food mixed with barium sulfate suspension) in four mature (15‐26 months) normal Beagle dogs under controlled conditions. Complete gastric emptying times of the intact kibble and ground kibble meals of a given dose (8 g/kg of dog food plus 5‐7 ml/kg of the contrast agent) ranged from five to ten hours (7.6 ± 1.98 hours with intact kibble meal and 7.0 ± 1.86 hours with ground kibble meal). Feeding a halfdose of ground kibble meal (4 g/kg of dog food plus 3.5 ml/kg of the contrast agent) resulted in complete gastric emptying times of four to six hours (4.7 ± 0.67 hours). Individual dogs had repeatable gastric emptying times although the times varied among different dogs.

POSITIVE‐CONTRAST RHINOGRAPHY

Contrast rhinography is a simple noninvasive procedure that may be a useful diagnostic method for positive‐contrast radiographic evaluation of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and paranasal sinuses in the dog. A standardized and reliable technique was developed using healthy adult Greyhounds. The radiographic appearance of the regional anatomy after intranasal administration of positive‐contrast medium was established. Four contrast media: 60% propyl iodine, 37% organically bound iodine, a 60% barium sulfate suspension, and a 30% barium sulfate suspension were evaluated on the basis of their radiographic contrast and detail, distribution, and degree of evoked tissue reaction as defined by clinical assessment. A 30% barium sulfate suspension was selected using these criteria. Contrast medium enhanced the radiographic appearance of the regional anatomy when compared with noncontrast techniques. A procedure for positive‐contrast radiographic evaluation of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and paranasal sinuses is described in detail. Recommendations are made regarding methods of contrast medium administration and positioning to ensure uniform distribution within the area of interest.

Microvascular studies in human radiation bowel disease.

The microvasculature was investigated in the normal bowel (n = 43 patients) and in radiation bowel disease (n = 18 patients). Tissue samples obtained from postoperative colectomy specimens in which the intramural vessels had been perfused with barium sulphate suspension were examined. Microradiography was used to study vascular pattern which was abnormal in radiation bowel disease. A recently described radiograph fluorescence system was used to estimate barium concentration, and hence microvascular volume. The radiation group showed a highly significant reduction in barium concentration (p less than 0.001), when compared with the normal group. This reduction was diffuse in samples from 15 patients who had received combined intracavity and external radiotherapy, but localised in two patients who had received intracavity treatment only. It is concluded that microvascular compromise is an important factor in the natural history of radiation bowel disease.

A comparison of two high-density barium sulphate preparations for double-contrast barium meals

The mucosal coating properties, liability to bubble formation and palatability of a new barium sulphate suspension (Micropaque HD) were compared with those of the barium suspension shown by previous trials to produce the best results (E-Z-HD). The results show that E-Z-HD gave significantly better mucosal coating and was less liable to bubble formation. There was no significant difference in the palatability of the two preparations.

Gastrointestinal Contrast Agents

THE TWO major categories of contrast agents currently used to opacify the lumen of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are barium sulfate suspensions and the iodinated water-soluble materials. Despite an extensive experience with these contrast media in the GI tract, confusion remains over their proper utilization. This article reviews the indications, uses, and risks of the commonly employed GI contrast agents. <h3>Barium Sulfate Suspensions</h3> Barium sulfate is almost totally inert within the GI tract, having little physiological effect other than responses to volume and fluidity.¹Many commercial barium products are available for examining the GI tract; they vary widely in regard to density, viscosity, and ability to coat the mucosal surface. Many barium products have wide application throughout the GI tract, while others are specifically formulated for more limited use, such as double-contrast examination of the stomach or colon. Under most circumstances, barium sulfate suspensions are the preferred contrast materials

The use of ioxaglate in the paediatric gastrointestinal tract: A report of 25 cases

There are recognised dangers in the use of either barium sulphate suspensions or the conventional hypertonic water-soluble contrast media in the gastrointestinal tract which can be avoided by the use of water-soluble contrast media isosmolar with plasma. This paper reports the satisfactory use of ioxaglate (Hexabrix) in solutions with osmolality of 290 mosmol/kg (160 mg I/ml) and it is proposed that isosmolar water-soluble contrast media could be usefully used in all at-risk children. In one case with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis there was no delay in the passage of isosmolar ioxaglate through the hypertrophied pylorus.

Turbidimetric determination of sulphate in plant digests and natural waters by flow injection analysis with alternating streams

An improved flow injection system with alternating streams of reagents is described for the turbidimetric determination of sulphate. Samples are injected into an inert carrier stream which is mixed with barium chloride to form a barium sulphate suspension. The range of the method can be extended to low concentrations by continuously adding sulphate to the sample carrier stream. System performance is improved by automatic alternate pumping of the reagent stream and an alkaline EDTA solution at high flow rate. All operations are controlled by an electronically-operated proportional injector-commutator. Even after routine analysis of 3000 samples of natural waters and plant digests, baseline drift was not observed. The proposed method is suitable for 120 samples per hour with a relative standard deviation less than 1% for sulphate concentrations in the range 1–30 ppm (waters) or 5–200 ppm (plant digests). The results compare well with those obtained by standard manual procedures.

The fetal arterial vasculature in placentas of insulin-dependent diabetic mothers.

Seventeen placentas from insulin-dependent diabetic women and ten placentas from non-diabetics were studied with angiography. The fresh placentas were injected in both umbilical arteries with barium sulphate suspension. After fixation in formaldehyde, the placentas were X-rayed, intact and after being sliced in 0.8 cm slices. There were two clearly distinguishable types of intracotyledonary arteries. Type A is long, narrow and usually runs in the periphery of the cotyledon; type B is wider and usually runs towards the centre of a cotyledon. The cotyledons were classified according to the distribution of these two types of arteries. Type I contained only A-arteries and Type II, both A- and B-arteries or only B-arteries. Twelve per cent of the cotyledons in the control group belonged to Type I, but in the diabetes group 29 per cent. One block of tissue from every placenta was examined histologically to check that the contrast medium filled the stem villus vessels but not the capillaries in the peripheral villi. The histological sections in both groups were compared. Endarteritis appeared to be a feature of the diabetes placenta. The angiographic findings were compared with results of previous direct light microscopical studies. A high percentage of hypovascular villi was found in placentas with a high number of Type I cotyledons.

THE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL EXAMINATION IN THE CAT: NORMAL RADIOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE USING POSITIVE CONTRAST MEDIUM

The normal radiographic appearance of the feline upper gastrointestinal (UGI) examination following oral administration of barium sulfate suspensions was described. Important findings included the minimal gastric air and small bowel gas present on survey abdominal radiographs. Gastric appearance was nearly constant. A normal duodenal pattern, referred to as a “string of pearls”, was described. Small bowel lumen size was consistently less than 12 mm. Small bowel mucosal patterns varied widely. The most commonly identified normal radiographic UGI patterns in this study were found consistently in a group of 26 cats thought to be without gastrointestinal disease. Because of the consistency of observation of many radiographic patterns, rapid gastric emptying, and a short small bowel transit time, normal UGI examinations in the cat present a more constant appearance than in the dog, thus making them more valuable as well as easier to conduct.

Acceleration of small intestine contrast study by ceruletide.

The effect of ceruletide on the small bowel transit time of barium sulfate suspension was studied in 165 patients. The control group consisted of 115 cases. An intramuscular injection of 500--750 ng/kg body weight ceruletide was given in 106 cases (group A), 20 ng/kg ceruletide was intravenously injected in 35 patients (group B), and 40 ng/kg was intravenously injected in 24 cases (group C). The mean transit time in group A was 62 +/- 41 min (mean +/- SD), and 126 +/- 62 min in the corresponding control group of 83 cases. (P less than 0.001). The mean transit time in group B was 65 +/- 50 min, and 69 +/- 56 min in group C, whereas in the corresponding control group of 32 cases the mean transit time was 137 +/- 79 min (P less than 0.01). A normal radiographic pattern was found in 75%, and slightly increased segmental contractions in 21%. Overtonicity and pronounced segmental contractions were seen in 4%. The recommended standardized small bowel study using ceruletide reduces the examination time by roughly one-half and produces simultaneous and uniform opacification of the jejunum and ileum.

Differences in the Temperature Dependence of Viscosity in Two Types of Barium Sulphate Suspension for Radiological Use

Differences in the Temperature Dependence of Viscosity in Two Types of Barium Sulphate Suspension for Radiological Use